Gangotri Gomukh / Source of Ganges Trek

Source of Ganges Trek

The Holy River Ganges is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion with its source at the Gomukh glacier, considered as one of the holiest places for Hindus who come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga, Gangotri is also the point from where the water taken back for religious ceremonies is said to be the purest! The trek takes one to Gomukh glacier (cows mouth), the mythological source of the River Ganges, which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier.

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 6Days.
Altitude : 3890 mts/12760 ft
Grade : Moderate
Season : May - June & August - Mid Oct

Day 01 : Haridwar - Uttarkashi (180 kms/ 5-6 hrs)

Pickup from Haridwar Railway station meet our guide and transfer to Uttarkashi (1150 mt) via the hill towns of Chamba & Tehri taking 5-6 hrs driving time. Upon arrival at Uttarkashi check-in at Hotel. Evening free to explore the surrounding by your own. Overnight stay at hotel.

Uttarkashi is the principle town in the region. Home to a lot of very ancient temples, Ashrams, and Dharamshalas, this town is also home to the   Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. Uttarkashi also acts as a  gateway to many mountaineering and trekking expedition in the Gangotri area.

Day 02 : Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 m/ 10,000 ft) Drive (95 kms).

In the morning view the sun rise on high hills with a cup of tea in hand. After breakfast drive towards Gangotri via the picturesque Harsil valley approx 25 km before Gangotri (3048 mt) by covering  95 km in 4-5 hrs. On arrival check-into Guest house. After relaxation visit the temple for prayers. Overnight stay in hotel.

Gangotri : The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by Deodars and Pines. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of Ashrams and Dharamshalas are located on the far side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva sitting on a slab of rock called the  "Bhagirath Shila" situated a short distance away from the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling (called Jalmagna Shivling) where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.

Day 03 : Gangotri (3048 mts/10000 ft) - Bhojwassa (3792 mts/12440 ft) 14 kms trek/5-6 hrs)

In the morning meet the trekking team and start the trek towards Bhojvasa via Chirvasa (3600mt). From Gangotri one moves along the well marked and equally well trodden path towards Chirvasa, which is almost at the end of the tree line. The entire trek goes parallel to  the roaring Bhagirathi River. Beyond Chirvasa the terrain becomes really desolate and barren, and the soil sandy and unstable. In fact, the last two kms before reaching Bhojwasa are known to be prone to landslides, and require extreme caution. The path suddenly dips on the last stretch to arrive at Bhojvasa; there is a small temple and a potential campsite near the river. The camp is established near river bank. Spend the afternoon to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 04 : Bhojwassa - Gomukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) - Bhojwassa

Enjoy a sunrise view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks. Post breakfast, trek to Gomukh (3890mt), the source of the Ganges. Gomukh is the spot where the water trickling down from the glacier forms the Ganga river. The sages called it 'Gomukh', because in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow's mouth. Explore the area and trek back to Bhojvasa for overnight stay.

Gomukh :The Gomukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganges) and is held in high esteem by the devout who do not miss the opportunity to take a holy dip in the bone chilling waters.

Day 05 : Bhojwassa - Gangotri (Trek 4-5 hrs) - Uttarkashi (95 kms/3-4 hrs)

Post breakfast get ready for trek down to Gangotri and upon arrival at Gangotri, drive to Uttarkashi. Check in to hotel upon arrival at Uttarkashi. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06 : Uttarkashi - Haridwar

Post breakfast, drive to Haridwar via Rishikesh. On arrival at Haridwar transfer to railway station.

Trip & Services Ends Here.